ARtist biographies - maskots

Self-titled EP (2019)

New beginnings can be hard, but that doesn’t mean a thing to Boise ID’s Maskots. Whereas many of their peers have given up at the sight of hardship, the post hardcore-quintet made the conscious decision to continue on after their previous vocalist left to pursue other musical opportunities on the East Coast. 

They cleaned house by scratching their previous recordings, but don’t tell them it’s a different band. “It’s more of a revamp,” clarifies drummer Sam Gates. This “revamp” is punctuated by Maskot’s newest member, vocalist Quinn Filmore. “Quinn had big shoes to fill, and he’s doing a great job,” Gates says assuredly. “He’s a great performer and brings a lot of energy to the table.”

Of course, a new singer and an updated take on their heavy, yet energetic brand of post hardcore meant that they had to tighten up their loose ends. Maskots’ new EP was their most ambitious and calculated effort today, to signify the beginning of a new era. “[The recording process was lengthy],” Gates expresses. “We were diligent about tone, quality of performance, and keeping everything organized so nothing went off the rails.” The EP’s instrumentation - filled by the dutiful guitarwork of Brendan Nefzger and the deep undercurrent of bassist Trevor Long - is pristine, calculated, and - along with Gates’ drumming - carries Maskots’ sound to a new territory, without trampling on the chemistry they’d previously established with each other. 

While the rear view is rocky, the new direction Maskots is taking has no borders. And the band isn’t taking it for granted. With plans to hit the road, release some music videos, and start working on a follow-up full length, Gates is just thankful it’s not over. “It’ll be great staying busy,” he chuckles. With a story and work ethic like that, you’d be crazy not to believe him.

Maskot’s self-titled EP will be out on October 11th via Octocorn Records.